This is a funny book written in a poetry like style.The amusing illustrations are inspired on old wood engravings.But it's not only the story an the illustrations that are interesting. The book itself, the way it was published and distributed is also verry interesting and even romantic.In 1928 'spicy' books weren't allowed, not even in Paris France. So it was privately published in a small edition of which about 50 copies were hand coloured by the author. All books were sold by Djuna Barnes and some frends in secret along the Seine.With the help of Natalie Barneys copie the 1972 edition contains an explanation of the names used in the story and who they were in real life.

This terrific bio of American/French writer and salon queen Natalie Barney is a non-stop read, equal parts bio, literary research and juicy gossip. I read it over the course of three days and was so disappointed when it was over... The literary standard is high and so is the research. If you like the Belle Epoque or the Americans in Paris period, you'll love this book.

I'm sorry that some very obvious "hack attacks" have been aimed at "Wild Heart." Whoever you are, slamming this book (and inaccurately too!)isn't going to destroy the author's career or revive yours. This kind of petty stuff will just keep you in the rut you're already in. Get with the program.

Suzanne Rodriguez brings 1920s Pairs to life in the pages of Wild Heart; A Life. If you like biographies, European history, Paris, or are Natalie Barney fan, this is the book for you. To be honest, even if you have never heard of Natalie Barney, it's still a great read. As a writer, I found the accounts of Ms. Barney's famous "Fridays" (her Paris salon) very intriguing. Oh, what a treat it would be to go back in time and attend just one!! Ms. Rodriguez makes you feel like you are there, with vivid descriptions about the interpersonal interactions of some of the more famous (and infamous) Friday attendees.

Ms. Rodriguez is a first-rate biographer, as she lets her subject's life gracefully unfold, rather than pushing it on the reader. She also interjects interesting historical tid-bits and she has a way of subtly adding her own personality to the tome.

Buy it, curl up and escape! It's a great read.

My wife has been a Natalie Barney fan for years, and when she began reading Wild Heart she simply disappeared from my life for a few days. She couldn't put that book down. When she finally allowed me to read it, I understood why. Barney's life was fascinating in and of itself, but I also liked the historical backdrop. I particularly enjoyed reading about the Belle Époque and what it was like to be in Paris during World War I. The discussion about Barney's inexplicable anti-semitism was honest. According to my wife, other writers have kept that part of Barney hidden. In our home this book has received a solid two thumbs up.